The North Fair Oaks council gave developers the green light Thursday to continue plans to build a in unincorporated Redwood City. Developers newly named the facility “SportsHouse.”
Developers Maita Beer Distributors and Joe Fernando, the former owner of billiards and volleyball club The Players in Belmont, teamed up in September to build the complex at the former Maita Beer Distribution Warehouse on 5th and Edison Avenues. They have been brainstorming the facility’s plan for months, working with the North Fair Oaks community to incorporate requests and address concerns. to build the complex in the recently emptied former Maita Beer Distribution Plant.
The developers must wait to present their project to the county Planning Commission on Nov. 16, and the finally the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 13, but have with big-time athletes and local sports programs.
There are only about 400 large multi sports locations throughout the country, the closest being in San Jose and Alameda, Fernando said of filling a big need in the community. He added that they will partner with the county’s Sheriff’s Activities League to offer financial scholarships to underprivileged youth.
Developers hope this will be a place where kids could stay active after school and avoid sedentary behavior, which largely contributes to the obesity epidemic.
For the adults, there will be adult sports leagues in addition to the youth leagues. The sports café, separate party and event rooms and interactive arcade with golf simulators and billiard tables will provide entertainment for all ages, Fernando said.
The operation hours and parking plans are still two points that the developers will address with the Planning Commission.
"The main concern is residents across the street do not want cars to enter and exit on Edison Way after 10pm,” developer Joe Fernando said. “But rather have asked we redesign to have cars enter/exit on 5th Avenue.”
"Other than that, the North Fair Oaks citizens and council members seemed just as excited as we are to have this positive project one step closer to realty"
